Hyperactivity

Children, adolescents and even adults can be affected by the condition known as hyperactivity, the correct medical name for this condition is “attention deficit hyperactive disorder”; individuals affected by the condition are not able to concentrate on things for a long period of time. The condition can affect the memory, the language skill or the motor skills of the affected individual; these symptoms can be mild to severe in their physical manifestations. The child often has a lot of learning and behavioral problems, even though hyperactive child is often of normal and sometime above normal intelligence. Short attention spans, impulsive behaviors and emotional instability are some of the problems that the teachers and the parents of a hyperactive child must cope; the child is often uncontrollable when involved with any activity or when undertaking any work that requires focus and concentration.

Because of the fact that some other conditions affecting the child of ten replicate the behavior observed in an hyperactive child; all conditions such as hearing loss and visual problems, and even other conditions like the inability to communicate properly included in the many forms of communication disorders-example, an inability to process symbolic and notional signals, other psychological factors like emotional stress, physical problems like seizures, or insomnia and sleep disorders can all do and often resemble the symptoms of hyperactivity and must therefore be ruled out first. The presence of the condition in a child can also be mistaken for similar behavior patterns occurring due to the effect of a cerebral palsy, the behavior typical of hyperactivity can also be caused by heavy metal contamination in a situation such as lead poisoning, and hyperactive behavior can also be caused by prenatal alcohol or drug abuse in the mother. The behaviors typical of hyperactive individuals can also be caused in some cases because of a reaction to certain medications or a reaction to some types of foods. Hyperactivity type behaviors can also be caused by complications at birth though factors such as oxygen deprivation or physical injury that may have occurred during birth. All of these other conditions must be removed as possible causes of the symptoms in the child before a positive diagnosis for hyperactivity in the child can be made.

The child's schooling, his or her social life and her home life can be severely affected by true hyperactive behavior; the hyperactivity will interfere with everything in her life. Learning and attention problems severely affect the performance of hyperactive children. The hyperactive child is very easily distracted from any task requiring concentration and focus, this occurs because the child is unable to screen out stimuli. Some typical behavioral manifestations found in such children are a tendency to talk too much or too loudly, and at sudden outburst at inappropriate times or in inappropriate situations. Such children typically find it very difficult to sit still and are always in constant motion; they are always involved in some activity and cannot concentrate on a given task. Impulsiveness characterizes such children. The hyperactive child is not able to look at something for a long time and is not capable of patiently listening to someone speaking. Thus such children often break and damage things inadvertently because of their amazing and endless store of energy, their persistent curiosity and their need to explore everything lands them time and again in trouble; therefore they are prone to hurt themselves and cause accidents. They do not handle frustration well and posses a low tolerance for situations which are too demanding. Such children will engage in arguments with teachers and parents and cannot tolerate adult supervision. Such children also have a lot of temper tantrums and are often affected by rapid mood swings and wild emotional swings. They tend to cling onto things. Such children are demanding and require a lot of reassurance and need constant attention. Such children understand rules, instructions, and the expectations of social interaction, though sometimes it may seem that they do not. Hyperactive children just have a problem, following expected behavioral norms. Thus the behaviors exhibited by hyperactive children are accidental, and not intentional; the behavioral patterns are not consciously determined by the child.

The hyperactive behavior of the child can however create embarrassing problems for the family; therefore a trip to an amusement park or to the local supermarket can become major catastrophes or highly embarrassing events. The child is unable to screen out different stimuli and the mind of the child absorbs too much information; simultaneous sensory inputs from the environment around them confuse them and they are egged on into energetic displays of unfocussed behavior. A hyperactive child is thus on an information overload at most times because of this inability to maintain focus and the constant bombardment of stimuli. The child is thus constantly reacting to events outside him or herself.

A heavy emotional and mental burden is thus affecting a hyperactive child every moment of his or her life. Such children are commonly very intelligent and this is contrary to stigma of learning disability often attached to them at school. The child perfectly understands the fact that certain kinds of behaviors are not acceptable and cannot be expected of him or her. The child is unable to maintain control of his or her emotions and this is despite his or her wish to please people by polite and restrained acts. Thus the child can become frustrated, often getting dismayed, and is always ashamed of his or her inability to control his or her behavior. Thus the child is not able to complete assignments and maintain focus on any given task even when he or she is fully aware of his or her own potential; the child therefore need help and supervision in order for him or her to function in society.

Social isolation is thus keenly felt by the hyperactive child and she or he often feels excluded and apart from his or her peers; this is compounded by the his or her not understanding the reason for the isolation. Thus the behaviors and characteristics manifested in the child bothers him or her the most. Stress, emotional anguish, sadness and a sense of low self worth or self esteem are the inevitable conclusions that result from the inability to complete normal childhood tasks in the school, social interactions in the schoolyard, or at home.

A diagnosis from a specialist in child behavior will be necessary to help in the identification of the difference between a normal and active child who is merely energetic from a child who is truly hyperactive as the behavioral traits may be similar. Spending hours in play without even taking a nap, going for long periods without sleep or playing while seeming to posses inexhaustible energy are normal attributes seen in many children and even in some toddlers; indeed many infants can have incredible stamina and energy. Correct diagnosis is therefore imperative as a wrong diagnosis will be very unfortunate. Therefore it is important that true hyperactivity is diagnosed in children and that such children are differentiated from others who are merely energetic; this must be done in order to ensure that a truly hyperactive child is afforded proper treatment, while a normal but overactive child is not mistakenly given treatment for hyperactive behavior.

A hyperactive child may be very well behaved and polite during the first one or two visits to a new doctor. In fact he or she may resemble a very well behaved model child, as he or she has an idea of what is expected of him or her. The doctor is therefore depends on your accurate description of the child's actual behavior in the social setting at home and in his or her immediate environment; this description from the parent becomes necessary as the child may not put on his or her normal hyperactive behavior at the doctor's office. For example an accurate description of the child's behavior in school can be provided by the teacher through a written report or by telephone to the doctor; this will enable the doctor to make a much more accurate analysis of the child's behavior and this will lead the doctor to a proper diagnosis and assessment of the condition. The hyperactive behavior of the child may assert itself only after several visits to the doctor. Do not let this bother you. An accurate diagnosis can still be provided by an experienced child specialist even if the child puts on his or her best behavior during the visit.

The goal of treatment and the ultimate aim of helping a child get over hyperactivity in enabling the growth of the child; the goal help him or her adjust to all situations, to enable the child to deal better and adapt him or her to situations at home, at the school, and to boost their level of interaction with other children. This is a handicap that originates in the nervous system and you must always have this fact in mind when dealing with the child, as it is, he or she is also struggling enormously to overcome the limitations due to his or her hyperactive behavior. If the child misbehaves in public, explain it as caused by a condition the child is experiencing, never let yourself be ashamed and don't feel guilty; remember you are not responsible for the behavior.

Indeed, at the end of the day, enormous credit is due to parents of hyperactive children. The condition in children puts a severe strain on the capacities of the parents, no to mention a lot of patience; the love and support a parent of a hyperactive child gives to the child is the only factor that lets the child walk through all the trials and frustrations that are an inevitable part of the disorder-and by sharing these emotional burdens with the child, the parents send such children a strong message of love to their children. The fact is that the presents of most hyperactive child are continually stressed and concerned, they have to be eternally vigilant, and always on the alert, for possible behavioral breakdowns. This puts them on a constant overdose of stress and tension, they tend to feel tired quickly, they can be overwhelmed in many ways, and frustration is a constant factor at certain moments. Parents of hyperactive children therefore must always remember to be good to themselves and to their peculiar situation, they must take breaks at crucial moments, to help and support their child, they must also seek help and support for themselves and accept their roles; insuring that they are also fulfilled in their lives.

Supplements and herbs

Hyperactivity can be alleviated by making the child drink a herbal chamomile tea; this herb is a relaxant and will help the child relax from the tensions and excitement generated by the condition. Dosage of the herbal tea for children can be a single dose of the herbal tea given before sleeping or as and when needed to quiet down the symptoms. Stress can also be relived through the use of the minor bupleurum herb, this is a Chinese herbal formula relaxes the nervous system; its use will help calm the child down. Dosage of this herbal formula can be a single dose of the herb given everyday for a total treatment period of one month; this dosage can be followed by the use of wild oat for the same treatment period of a month in total.For your attention: children who have a fever or any other sign of an acute infection must not be given minor bupleurum in any event.

Another good relaxant that can be used to calm the child down is the skullcap; this herb will calm the mind of the child. Dosage of the herb can be a single dose, taken thrice a day for a total treatment period of three months.For your attention: children below six years of age cannot be given this herb for any reason.

The nervous system of a hyperactive child can be calmed down using the wild oat as an herbal supplement. Dosage of the herbal supplement can be a single dose each day for a total treatment period of one month. A hyperactive child may also be calmed down through the use of certain botanical scents. Take a drop each of the herbal essences of the rosemary , the sage and the lavender, and add a drop of the oil of the chamomile, mix this with one eights of a cup of olive oil, and use this aromatic oil as a topical rub on the child's feet and spine before bedtime to alleviate the symptoms of hyperactivity. The traditional use of rosemary and sage to relax the mind has been practiced by Native Americans from time immemorial.

Homeopathy

All the homeopathic remedies given below can be taken at a potency of 30c in a single dose once every day for a treatment period of one week; then the results of the supplementation can be observed. The homeopathic remedies can also be used as and when needed and also in prescribed and regular treatment regimens for the treatment of hyperactivity in children.

AnacardiumAnacardium is to be used during the homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children who suffer from a lack of self-esteem. Such children may additionally find it hard to make decisions and suffer from insecurity and the need to constantly prove their worth. Children affected with this form of hyperactivity may find two colliding natures within themselves, one good and the other evil, these two natures keep fighting within the child. Children affected in this way are often willful and cruel; they are also antisocial and display malicious tendencies including a lack of knowledge between good and evil. Children affected in this way also have a tendency to be abusive, often cursing at people, and verbalize swear words as a sign of frustration. Such children are also very hard-hearted. The predominant feeling that the child endures is the frustration and the feeling of being dominated, the feeling of being abused, thus the child has a victim mentality; he or she may feel blocked at every attempt to make amends. The child will also hate contradictions in his or her own nature. Children affected in this way are also often absent-minded, and have a sense of unreality about them. Behaviors displayed are typically childish. The presence of one or more of these types of behaviors requires the use of Anacardium as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the hyperactive child.

HyoscyamusHyoscyamus is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children in whom symptoms can include behavioral patterns that seem silly and a character that is of a humorous nature, the child may also be given to swearing at most times. Such children show a precocious tendency to be shocking in public. These children are also exhibitionist and draw attention to themselves by showing off, they are also playful and keep performing stunts; energy levels are always high and the child will keep dancing around at all times of the day and night. These children are also given over to excessive talking and singing. Psychological profiles of such children include sarcastic behavior and they tend to display jealousy towards others. The child can also be sickly suspicious and distrustful of people around him or her. A victim mentality may be present and the child often feels persecuted by others around him without good reason. Such children also display wild behavior and are often wild acting. Young as they are these children are also sexually precocious-often shocking adults by exposing himself or herself, he or she also touches others and resorts to dirty talk to draw attention from those around. Such children can also be given to masturbation. Children affected in this way often have an unfortunate history of sexual abuse or violence at home. These children are capable of cruelty, they can also be domineering, and have a bossy behavior. The presence of one or more of these behavioral patterns requires the use of Hyoscyamus as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the hyperactive child.

StramoniumStramonium is to be used during the homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children who display fearfulness as a persistent behavior- the child may feel constantly threatened by things and events and even by people. Other typical behavioral manifestations of the hyperactivity are fears of the darkness, such children are also afraid of being alone and being abandoned; they also display phobias towards certain animals. The child may have night terrors, and often awakens from sleep in fear. The child is typically timid and withdrawn; he or she may also be shy towards new people and strangers. Other common behaviors are constant talking and prattling; the child may be given to suddenly singing and may give out inappropriate laughter and even give out shrill cries all of a sudden in inconvenient situations. The child may also show a lot of anger; he or she may have a lot of aggression, often displaying fits of rage, and striking or biting people when violent. The child affected in this way is often bossy and egoistic, and can become very demanding. This condition can also be the results of some trauma suffered by the child in the past; the child may also become easily shocked and suffer from fear. Such children are often affected by stammering, and can have muscular twitches and cramps as additional symptoms of the condition. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the use of Stramonium as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the hyperactive child.

TarentulaTarentula is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children who suffer from extreme restlessness; behaviors exhibited wantonly by the child include jumping and rolling about on the ground. The child is always hurried and impatient with things and situations. Such children are very easily distracted from their work. Taking part in activities and recreation like dancing, music and rhythm can soothe these sensitive children. The child also constantly moves the legs and arms around in the air. The musculature is given over to twitches and jerking sensations all over the body. Such children are very sensitive to noises and being touched, the cold also affect them in a big way. Children affected in this way possess a mischievous nature; they tend to be destructive and are given to malicious behavior. These children also often play pranks and tricks on others' they are quite cunning. The children are out of control and are given to laughing. Impulsively. Such children prefer bright colors to dark ones. These children are extremely thirsty at most times and this will require the use of cold water. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the use of Tarentula as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of a hyperactive child.

TuberculinumTuberculinum is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of very bright hyperactive children. Such children have a highly active mind, but have many problems like dissatisfaction and can get easily bored at things. These children seem to be suffering from unfulfilled longings and have extremely short attention spans. The child may seek novelty and change on a continuous basis; he or she may be excited by getting new things and seeing new places and may enjoy traveling. Such children also suffer from impulsiveness. These children also enjoy physical activities and love to run. The child may display gnashing teeth behavior at night and often grinds teeth. Such children can become enraged even at small things and have a violent temper. Their behavior is also destructive, and characterized by bold actions without any thought for the consequence, but the child can also get remorseful after the act. These children are very compulsive in their actions. Such children may show cruelty to animals. They can also have animal phobias such as a fear of cats and dogs. The affected child may crave for certain foods such as smoked meat and milk. The child is often hungry. The condition of the child can worsen in cold and damp weather. These children may have additional physical symptoms such as frequently occurring chest problems. The child often wakes at three a.m. in the early morning because of sleeplessness or nightmares. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the use of Tuberculinum as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the hyperactive child.

Veratrum albumVeratrum album is to be used during the homeopathic treatment of hyperactive children who suffer from a need for constant attention and recognition; such children are obsessed with status and material possessions. Such children tend to feels special or are proud of themselves bordering on egotism. These children are also arrogant and can be the perfect egotist in behavior. The child may behave in an in appropriate behavior at most times and can become extremely critical of everything and everyone around him or her, such children are also very quarrelsome, they may feel that they are always in the right. These children are defiant and disobedient to all forms of authority including the parents themselves. The child may be extremely talkative in company of friends and when among people. The child can also display extremely destructive behavior; he or she is often abusive and shows very little remorse about past actions. The child can also be extremely cruel in his or her actions towards others. Such children also often lack any shame and cannot understand the difference between good and evil. These children are also prone to premeditated acts of lying. The child may display further bad behavior and can often indulge in cheating or stealing things. The child also often resorts to nail biting to relieve the tension he or she feels. At most times of the day and night the child can be restless and always appears busy. Such children can often feign sickness when they want to be left out of doing some thing. Children can also be affected by additional physical symptoms such as chills that run up and down the length of the body. Such children may often crave certain foods like lemons and other sour things; they also enjoy ice or cold water. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the use of the Veratrum album as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the hyperactive child.

Other beneficial herbs

Comments

From Jurriaan Plesman - Aug-24-2011

Most hyperactive people have been found to be hypoglycemic - a sugar handling problem - and going on a hypoglycemic diet (a low sugar high protein diet) - similar to a diabetic diet, has been show to improve behavior.